What are vinyl planks is a great option for any busy household, including active families with children and pets. Many of the new vinyl products on the market today are super durable and more affordable than ever, so this type of floor is not a floor to avoid anymore. In fact, you should embrace it and look for the styles that will best suit your home.

Sheet vinyl comes in a variety of colors and textures, printed skeuomorphically to resemble wood planks, ceramic tile, or natural stone like marble. It can also come in cushioned options with closed-cell foam lower layers for added comfort. Most traditional vinyl floors are waxed, but some manufacturers offer a urethane top layer that does not require the use of wax and can better stand up to your rambunctious kids and furry friends.

Vinyl Flooring Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Floors Looking New

Rigid core vinyl flooring is offered in either plank or tile formats and usually consists of a waterproof core made of WPC (wood-plastic composite) or SPC (stone-polymer). The design layer is then placed on top and can range from traditional wood looks to highly textured, distressed and whitewashed hardwoods to more modern geometric and overall floor patterns.

Some manufacturers are even offering LVT with a more adventurous approach that does not try to mimic the real thing but rather offers decorative, geometric or graphic patterns for a bolder statement. This is a good choice for those that are looking for an alternative to carpet and a style that can really make a personal mark on your space. Most of these products are very durable and cost between $5 and $8 per square foot. Look for GreenGuard or FloorScore IAQ certified options that will not emit VOCs in the first couple of years and will fade less quickly in direct sunlight.